Crusaders confirm Sydney trip to play Rebels for finals push

The Crusaders’ final thrust for a spot in the Trans-Tasman final will take place in Sydney.

Crusaders boss Colin Mansbridge confirmed the match against the Rebels would be played in Australia on Saturday.

Victoria's latest COVID-19 enforced lockdown had already forced Sanzaar to relocate two matches – Highlanders v Rebels and Chiefs v Rebels – to Sydney.

Unlike the first two relocated games, Saturday’s match was scheduled as a home game for the Rebels.

The Crusaders will depart Christchurch on Thursday.

The Brumbies pipping the Hurricanes 12-10 in Canberra has effectively made it a three-horse race between the table-topping Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders for the final.

As it stands, the Crusaders are third behind the second-placed Highlanders, who edge the Christchurch-based franchise on points differential.

The Highlanders play the Brumbies at their Canberra fortress on Friday night, meaning the Crusaders will know if they need a bonus-point win, and by how much they need to beat the Rebels by, to go past the Highlanders in the standings.

The Blues, who are at the top with 19 points, and with a +109 points differential, host the Force on Saturday night.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]